3 answers
Mckenzie
Student
Mechanicsville, Maryland
2
Questions
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How to get into a prestigious college without an impressive resume?
I'm currently a rising junior in high school. Throughout my freshman and sophomore year I haven't taken any AP classes, nor any clubs, but I'm currently a PLTW student, and a student athlete. Is it still possible for me to get into a prestigious college without an impressive resume? Additionally, if I take an AP class next school year, what classes should I take? I'm interested in majoring in any engineering major.
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3 answers
Christine (Christy) Poulos
Marketing
1
Answer
San Ramon, California
Updated
Christine (Christy)’s Answer
Hi Mckenzie
My suggestion is to really think about why you are aiming for a prestige school. Is it because you feel you are expected to? Is it because that is where your peer group is going? Or is it because you see it as the surest path to a "good job"? There are so many really great universities and colleges that may not fit the Ivy profile, but that offer outstanding education, internships, and opportunities for their students and don't require the intensity of all of the APs, etc to get in. I have hired hundreds of people in my career, and I virtually never care where they got their degree from. While this can matter for Law firms and specialized science or medical careers, in most cases, the degree itself and what you learned is more important than where you got it.
Beyond the above, schools look for students who aren't just strong academically, they must also be well-rounded. The fact that you play sports is great. Do you have space to add some volunteering into your schedule? What about seeing if you can find a summer internship or an opportunity to shadow in an engineering company. Schools want to see that you're taking initiative.
Finally, you can also always start at a junior college. This can save you a lot of money as you knock out your general ed requirements. Good luck!
Do some research on other non-Ivy League schools that offer the degree program you are interested in
My suggestion is to really think about why you are aiming for a prestige school. Is it because you feel you are expected to? Is it because that is where your peer group is going? Or is it because you see it as the surest path to a "good job"? There are so many really great universities and colleges that may not fit the Ivy profile, but that offer outstanding education, internships, and opportunities for their students and don't require the intensity of all of the APs, etc to get in. I have hired hundreds of people in my career, and I virtually never care where they got their degree from. While this can matter for Law firms and specialized science or medical careers, in most cases, the degree itself and what you learned is more important than where you got it.
Beyond the above, schools look for students who aren't just strong academically, they must also be well-rounded. The fact that you play sports is great. Do you have space to add some volunteering into your schedule? What about seeing if you can find a summer internship or an opportunity to shadow in an engineering company. Schools want to see that you're taking initiative.
Finally, you can also always start at a junior college. This can save you a lot of money as you knock out your general ed requirements. Good luck!
Christine (Christy) recommends the following next steps:
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
292
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Good idea to take AP, dual credit or CLEP tests when applicable. General studies courses take up time and money when you are in college. Complete as many as you can now. Im not familiar with college requirements in your state. I would image that you have a priority in getting selected if you are top 5-10% in your graduating class in academic achievement. Look into to that. Good luck, you will do well.
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
86
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Mckenzie, and thank you for this interesting question. It seems to me that you are downplaying distinctive parts of your resume, specifically Project Lead the Way (PLTW), JROTC, and athletics. PLTW shows academic and pre-professional interests, JROTC shows discipline and interest in service, and athletics shows teamwork and tenacity (all among other traits). These are qualities of interest to college admissions officers, especially if you could describe what they mean to you and how they have contributed to personal growth and leadership.
All that said, if you could succeed in an AP course with your other commitments during the Fall semester, it would be good on your application. Taking APs shows academic interest and achievement. Depending upon the school, passing AP exams could mean placing out of requirements (giving you credits to use for other classes), getting college credit, or being able to skip introductory classes.
I would also encourage you to think broadly about prestige. There are many excellent engineering programs outside of the Ivy League or public ivy's. Similarly, the honors programs at lower-known schools could offer financial, residential, advising, and/or experiential opportunities. I went to an Ivy League school and loved it, but recognize that there are many ways to obtain a meaningful and enjoyable education.
I hope this helps and wish you much luck!
All that said, if you could succeed in an AP course with your other commitments during the Fall semester, it would be good on your application. Taking APs shows academic interest and achievement. Depending upon the school, passing AP exams could mean placing out of requirements (giving you credits to use for other classes), getting college credit, or being able to skip introductory classes.
I would also encourage you to think broadly about prestige. There are many excellent engineering programs outside of the Ivy League or public ivy's. Similarly, the honors programs at lower-known schools could offer financial, residential, advising, and/or experiential opportunities. I went to an Ivy League school and loved it, but recognize that there are many ways to obtain a meaningful and enjoyable education.
I hope this helps and wish you much luck!